Why Did Snehal Leave Tech to Start a Real Estate Business?
After high-pressure roles at Amazon and Microsoft, Snehal Singh made a dramatic shift. As a mom of two, the nonstop pace of tech no longer aligned with the life she wanted to build.
“I wanted to do something fun that gave me time with my kids.”
She always loved exploring homes, but never imagined building a real estate business, until she joined Springboard to Wealth, a real estate investor community that gave her the confidence and tools to take action.
In this episode of the DealMachine Real Estate Investing Podcast, Snehal shares how she transitioned from Big Tech to $30K wholesale deals in Seattle. Want to hear the full interview? Watch the episode below:
How to Launch a Real Estate Business From Scratch Without Experience
Snehal began investing in March 2025. With no prior background in real estate, she leaned on mentorship and a clear system.
She started by:
In just seven months, she completed seven deals, six wholesaled to flippers, one held as a long-term investment.
Choose Wholesaling Over Flipping or Rentals
With young children at home, Snehal needed flexibility.
“Wholesaling felt like a better fit. It’s digital, systemized, and doesn’t require me to be on-site all the time.”
Instead of taking on renovations herself, she assigns contracts to local investors who specialize in flips. This allows her to focus on sourcing and evaluating deals, skills she enjoys and excels at.
How to Find Off-Market Real Estate Deals in Seattle?
Snehal relies on cold calling owner-occupied properties with high equity, using DealMachine to pull lists and a dialer to manage outreach.
Her process includes:
- Targeting owners with 50%+ equity
- Avoiding renters and relatives using the “likely owner” filter
- Calling each list 10–11 times, then recycling it after 3 months
- Focusing on Seattle and nearby cities like Kirkland, Bellevue, and Tacoma
“Most of my deals come from seniors or long-time owners who want a simple, respectful process.”
How to Analyze a Real Estate Deal Step-by-Step
She uses a pro forma (deal calculator) that includes:
- Seller’s asking price
- Estimated repair costs
- After-repair value (ARV)
- Closing costs and agent fees
- Target profit for the buyer (minimum 15%)
- Her wholesale fee (minimum $30K)
“If the buyer can’t hit 15% profit and I can’t make $30K, it’s not a deal I take.”
She adjusts repair estimates based on walkthroughs and uses per-square-foot benchmarks based on rehab type (e.g., cosmetic, medium, full gut).
What Kind of Properties to Look for in Seattle
Snehal’s ideal properties:
- Lots over 5,000 sq. ft.
- Zoned for duplexes or DADUs (detached units)
- Alley access or corner lots for better layout flexibility
- Located in family-friendly neighborhoods
“If each unit can have its own entry and parking, it feels like two separate homes. That’s better for tenants and resale.”
One of her current projects is a 3,600 sq. ft. lot with medium-density zoning, where she’s keeping the existing duplex and adding a second duplex in the backyard, four units total.
How to Stay Consistent During Slow Months
Real estate deal flow is lumpy. Some months she closes two contracts, other months none. Coming from tech, that unpredictability was tough at first.
“In tech, everything has a deadline. Real estate doesn’t work like that.”
To stay balanced, she focuses on mindset:
- Inner Excellence for focus and calm
- Mel Robbins for daily habits
- The Diary of a CEO for leadership and strategy
- Alex Hormozi for business systems
“If your energy is off, sellers can feel it. That’s why mindset work is so important.”
Snehal’s Real Estate Strategy at a Glance
- Market: Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue
- Deal Type: Wholesaling off-market homes
- Lead Source: Cold calling via DealMachine
- Team: 1 virtual assistant, weekly check-ins
- Wholesale Fee: Minimum $30K
- Buyer Rule: Must net 15% profit
- Property Type: Owner-occupied homes with high equity
- Preferred Lots: 5,000+ sq. ft. with alley access or DADU potential
- Mindset Tools: Books, podcasts, and presence-based habits
FAQs
How does a pro forma help analyze real estate deals?
A pro forma helps calculate if a deal is profitable by factoring in purchase price, rehab costs, resale value, and profit margins. It shows whether a deal works for both the wholesaler and the end buyer.
What’s a typical wholesale fee for real estate in Seattle?
In Seattle, wholesale assignment fees often range from $20,000 to $50,000. Snehal sets a minimum fee of $30,000 to ensure the deal is worth her time and sustainable for buyers.
What’s the difference between an ADU and a DADU?
An ADU is an attached dwelling unit (shares a wall with the main home). A DADU is detached, offering more privacy and flexibility, including the potential for separate resale or condo mapping.
How do you find off-market properties in real estate?
Use data tools like DealMachine to pull lists based on equity, ownership status, and distress indicators. Cold call likely owners multiple times, and focus on relationship-building during follow-up.
How can a mom build a successful real estate business?
Choose a flexible investing strategy like wholesaling. Use virtual assistants to handle outreach, and design a business schedule that protects your time for family and self-care.
Final Word
From fast-paced tech to focused real estate investing, Snehal designed a business that reflects her priorities: family, time freedom, and financial growth. Her journey shows what’s possible when you build with structure, systems, and service in mind.
If you're ready to start your own path, from part-time wholesaling to full-time investor, her strategy offers a clear, sustainable roadmap.
